It was the first Terra Conference to be held in Africa, and convened over 450 specialists in fields linked to the conservation of earthen architecture (e.g. anthropology, archaeology, architecture, engineering, scientific research, site management and sustainable development). It was positively noted that many of these experts came from developing countries, and particularly from the African region. The conference was organized by the Getty Conservation Institute and the Ministry of Culture of Mali in collaboration with UNESCO/ World Heritage Centre, Africa 2009, CRATerre, ICCROM and ICOMOS.